Study on gas flow control between two parallel disk plates for disk shape SOFC

利用粒子成像测速仪（PIV）对两个平行盘形板间的旋流特性进行了实验研究。在低雷诺数（Re<100）条件下，模拟了圆盘状平面固体氧化物燃料电池（SOFC）的实际运行情况。在安装渐开线型集流器的通道内，向通道出口方向产生旋涡流，且其速度几乎保持恒定。无论流量如何，都可以观察到这种趋势，因此在很宽的雷诺数范围内实现了流动均匀性。这种流场的改善表明，可以通过安装圆形渐开线流道来控制通道的热应力。

Swirling flow behavior between two parallel disk shape plates was experimentally investigated with the aid of a particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiment was performed at low Reynolds numbers (Re<100) to simulate the practical operation in a disk shape planar-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). In the channel installed involute-type current collectors, a swirling flow was generated and its velocity was kept at nearly constant value toward the channel exit. This trend was observed regardless of flow rates, and hence flow uniformity was achieved over the wide range of Reynolds numbers. This improvement of flow field suggests that a control of thermal stress of the channel could be achieved by installing a circle involute flow passage.